JOB TITLE: Legal Counsel
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Full-time exempt (40hrs/week)
EMPLOYER: American Council of the Blind
DEPARTMENT: Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
REPORTS TO: Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs
SUMMARY:
The Legal Counsel prepares and litigates class-based claims on behalf of the American Council of the Blind (ACB) and other clients as required. The Legal Counsel also supports the Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs in matters of legislative and regulatory advocacy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supports the organization’s vision, mission and core values and implements strategies necessary to achieve them
- Prepares and litigates class-based claims on behalf of ACB arising under the ADA, IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Fair Housing Act, and any other federal, state or local civil or disability rights claims.
- Engages in effective litigation techniques, including persuasive oral and written arguments; expert and fact witness preparation, examination and cross-examination of witnesses; and presentation of physical, documentary and other types of evidence.
- Drafts legal documents including but not limited to, discovery, memoranda of law, motions, orders, answers, complaints, counter-complaints, and correspondence.
- Conducts in-depth client intake interviews as part of the case assessment process for consultation and/or trial preparation.
- Consults with and accepts guidance from the specified external disability litigation expert.
- Supports the Director of Advocacy & Governmental Affairs in matters of administrative and legislative advocacy, including reviewing proposed rules and legislation, meeting with agency staff and legislators, and providing written and oral comments/testimony.
- Represents ACB in administrative and court actions.
- Expands outreach to attorneys and legal organizations by representing ACB in appropriate Bar Sections and Committees.
- Maintains appropriate attorney billable time records required to obtain award of attorney fees.
- Participates in the planning of major ACB events – DC Leadership and ACB National Convention.
- Maintains bar admission in the state of residence, including completion of all continuing legal education (CLE) requirements.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- This role has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Licensed attorney in state of residence
- 5 – 7 years of civil litigation experience
- Experience in conducting discovery and filing motions.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience as a trial and/or appellate attorney
- Experience in class action litigation
- Experience working with people who are blind or have low vision
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- This is a remote position with travel requirements as detailed below.
TRAVEL:
- This role will be required to represent ACB at court appearances in any jurisdiction in which ACB conducts litigation, Congressional and Organizational meetings, DC Leadership Conference (held in Washington, D.C. area in March)
- ACB National Conference & Convention (week-long trip to convention location with on-site responsibilities in July)
- Some national travel for cases will also be required.
JOB TYPE:
Full-time exempt
PAY RANGE:
$120,000 – $145,000
BENEFITS:
- Medical insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- 401(k) and Roth retirement plans with employer match
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation and sick time
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Interested candidates may email their resume and cover letters to hr@acb.org. Applications will be reviewed in the order that they are received.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ACB will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation for the hiring process, and if hired, for the duration of their employment with ACB. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact hr@acb.org.